The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur, through its Department of Computer Science and Engineering, inaugurated a two-day National Workshop on “Artificial Intelligence–Driven Agritech and FinTech with Blockchain for Secure Digital Finance (AIAF-BSDF 2026)” on 29 January 2026. The workshop, being held from 29 to 30 January 2026 under the theme “Bridging Startup, Industry and Innovation,” aims to promote the adoption of emerging technologies for real-world applications in agriculture and digital finance.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Chandrahas Chandrakar, Chairman, Chhattisgarh State Seeds and Agriculture Development Corporation Limited, Government of Chhattisgarh, as the Chief Guest. Dr. N. V. Ramana Rao, Director, National Institute of Technology Raipur, attended the programme as the Guest of Honour. The ceremony was further dignified by the presence of Dr. C. Krishna Mohan, Former Dean (Public and Corporate Relations), Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad; Mr. Manish K. Tikariha, Chief Executive Officer, Aventraa Technologies Private Limited, Raipur; Dr. Narendra D. Londhe, Registrar, National Institute of Technology Raipur; and Dr. Dilip Singh Sisodia, Head of the Department, Computer Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Raipur. The workshop is being coordinated by Dr. Preeti Chandrakar and Dr. K. Jairam Naik, Assistant Professors, National Institute of Technology Raipur.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. Preeti Chandrakar outlined the objectives of the workshop and stated that it aims to provide a meaningful platform for research, dialogue, and adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Financial Technology, Agricultural Technology, and Blockchain. She noted that the strong participation reflects growing industry interest and highlights the need to bridge academic knowledge with practical, real-world applications.

Dr. Dilip Singh Sisodia emphasised the critical role of trust in the digital ecosystem, particularly in payment systems, lending frameworks, and technology-driven infrastructure. He highlighted the vast untapped potential of technology in the agricultural sector, the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on decision-making, and the rising risks of fraud in India’s rapidly expanding digital finance ecosystem. He also appreciated startups working at the grassroots level to deliver scalable, national-level solutions.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. N. V. Ramana Rao stated that the workshop would play a significant role in identifying innovative solutions to enhance farmers’ productivity and profitability. He added that despite existing challenges, technology—especially Human–Cyber Fusion Systems—will be instrumental in shaping secure, intelligent, and future-ready Financial Technology solutions.

Dr. Narendra D. Londhe spoke on the pace of digital transformation and highlighted the active role of National Institute of Technology Raipur in this transition. He expressed pride in the institute’s students, whose professional achievements and industrial contributions continue to strengthen the institution’s reputation at the national level.

Dr. C. Krishna Mohan highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in agricultural infrastructure, stating that it enables informed decision-making, promotes sustainable farming practices, saves time, and reduces operational costs. He commended National Institute of Technology Raipur for organising the workshop on a timely and impactful theme. Mr. Manish K. Tikariha stressed the importance of Business Artificial Intelligence and ethical use of technology, noting that these aspects would be discussed in detail during his technical session.

In his address, Chief Guest Shri Chandrahas Chandrakar stated that the workshop aims to identify practical and technology-driven solutions for farmers’ welfare and agricultural development. He urged students to remain humble, socially responsible, and committed to contributing to nation-building through emerging technologies, and assured government support for innovative initiatives aligned with national development goals.

The inaugural session concluded with a felicitation ceremony followed by a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. K. Jairam Naik, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, speakers, participants, and the organising team for their support in making the programme a success.

The workshop underscored the growing role of Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain in strengthening agriculture and digital finance ecosystems and reaffirmed National Institute of Technology Raipur’s commitment to innovation-driven, real-world solutions.

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RDJ

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